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LEE Wan Wah's chances of playing in his seventh World Championships in Hyderabad, India on Aug 10-15 should become a reality as long as he and partner Choong Tan Fook remain the top 24 of the world rankings until the qualifying period ends on April 30.

Tan Fook-Wan Wah, ranked World No 7, will see their world ranking drop after having withdrawn from the ongoing All England and Swiss Open next week, where they made the semis in both events last year, but should claim the third spot in the men's doubles although they are not part of the national team anymore.

A maximum of three pairs, if they are ranked in the top 24, are eligible for the World Championships and top two national pairs Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari have virtually secured their places.

Although the BA of Malaysia (BAM) had announced that national team members will be preferred for the World Championships, none of the back-up pairs are likely to make it to the top 24 after a major reshuffle in January.

"My aim is to play in the World Championships and looks like it will materialise," said Wan Wah. "Our ranking will drop after the All England and Swiss Open but we have the India Open (Mar 24-29) to ensure we don't drop outside the top 24." Wan Wah and former internationals Chan Chong Ming and Chew Choon Eng are utilising their absence from the European tournaments by helping the Seri Petaling Residents Association (SPRA) organise a charity badminton event on Mar 21 in conjunction with the CIMB Foundation-SPRA badminton championships on Mar 18-22.

The trio will partner badminton enthusiasts who donate RM1,000 each to raise funds to build the SJK (C) La Salle in Seri Petaling.

About RM10,000 is expected to be raised while CIMB Foundation will contribute another RM10,000.